Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-01-20

tracted by the lights, as | was
'Out with the light said Major
Maitland. rapidly. Slack down the
fire, put all the spare coats against the
windows, knock loop-hole or two in
the doors and windows, put one saddle
in the small window, from behind
which one man can fire, and pile the
remainder on the stoop. in front Of the
door. Lucky we have plenty Of ammu.
milton Go out, Cochrane, and let the
horses loose on the veldt they'll stand
no chance, pent up in the stable, should
we be attacke ed
'Bridgman, have yoa any brandy ?
Ferrars, of the Mounted Police.is here,
badly hurt, and we have no stimulant
to give him.
'I'ye flask untouched. 1t was fill
ed before leaving Dundee, and I've not
had chance of opening it since.'
Bravo = said DR.. Andrews that's
capital. hope we shall be able to pull
Ferrars through, after all
Everyone now betook him to the
post to which he had been allotted and
silently awaited events.
They had hardly placed themselves,
when most Internal yelling was heard
outside. followed by volley of musket-
ry, and then the patter of bare feet on
the stoop.
Waiting until he thought he could
make The most effectual use Of his
small force, the major directed that no
shot was to be fired without of his word
of command.
AS the stoop became crowded, and
others thronged round the house, his
voice rang out, Ready Fire y
The five rifles poured their fire
through the improvisei loop-holes, into
the dense mass round the house, and
the stoop was cleared like magic; on
which there followed dead silence.
After an interval of some minutes,
a harsh voice, speaking in Zulu, was
heard giving orders, followed by what
appeared to be words of command; then
a rush of body of men, who hurled
themselves upon the door, which gave
way with crash.
'All to the door y shouted the ma
jor, and the next instant they were in
hand to hand conflict with the fore
most Zulus. Those who succeeded in
entering were instantly shot down, and
flung back upon the others, forming a
sort of rampant to the defenders, who,
their eyes being more accustomed to
the light, could Letter discern their op-
ponent.
This melee continued for some long
time, but the darkness was so Intense
that the Zulus became doubtful and
wayered. One had got hold of Captain
Bridgman's rifle by the muZzle, and
was trying to wrench it from him.
Hold on, Johnny he said, coolly
'I'll talk to you in minute and man.
aged to insert cartridge in his breech
loader. Then pulling the trigger with
out moving the rifle from his alp, the
Zulu fell back dead.
The known avefsioa of the native
warrior to enter buildings or works of
any kind when fghting-though he
fears nothing in the Open-caused
them again to retire on finding so stub
born resistance ; and the little parry
had time to replace the door, which
they secured with the tough reims ia
ken from the frames OF the bedsteads,
and were enabled to take breath.
All this time, Captain Ferrars was
helplessly moaning at his inability to
join in the fight.
rs any one hurt p said the major,
looking round.
'I've beeu hit replied DR.. Good
eye, but don't think it's much. A
Zulu struck me in the side with
his assegai, just as we drove them out
Come TO the kitchen fire. said DR..
Andrews, 'and let me look at it,
oh, am all right, he remarked, but
at that moment he reeled and fell.
Get light and hide it as much as
possible stand round, everyone said
DR.. Andrews.
The doctor opened the fallen mans
Jacket, examined his side, felt his pulse,
placed his hand on his heart and look
ed up.
is he coming round p whispered the
major.
lie is dead = answered the doctor,
solemnly.
1t is a remarkable fact that. though
he had received mortal wound, he
had continued to speak and act as
though nothing were the matter with
him ultimately expiring with out a
pang.
Having placed poor DIR. Goodeve
carefully in one of the bedrooms, they
once again proceeded to take measures
for their own safety.
Stealthy sounds outside prepared
them for another attempt on the part